Arguably one of the most complete Star Wars streaming series to have hit Disney Plus, Ahsoka ultimately seemed positioned as the fulcrum of the New Republic Era. The events of the finale, which saw both Thrawn and Ezra Bridger escape exile on Peridea and return home, will certainly be pivotal in whatever happens next in the Mandoverse. However, with Ahsoka, Sabine, Shin and Baylan Skoll left behind in Peridea, it was also clear that Dave Filoni had big plans to explore the nature of the Force through a further exploration of The Ones.
Those plans were thrown into disorder when Ray Stevenson, who so brilliantly portrayed the enigmatic Skoll, passed away suddenly and tragically in May, 2023. It was unclear how Stevenson’s death would impact Filoni’s plans for Season 2 of Ahsoka but now, we have our answer.
As first reported by Jeff “The In” Sneider and then by the Hollywood trades, Rory McCann, who memorably portrayed the brutal Hound on Game of Thrones, has been cast as Baylan Skoll.
Production on Season 2 of Ahsoka is slated to kick off at Loncross Studios in the UK in April. While McCann‘s casting is the first news to drop in connection with the new season of the series, it certainly won’t be the last. Despite the likelihood that the rest of the main cast of Season 1 will return, it’s likely that Filoni will have sprinkled in a handful of other characters from Star Wars Rebels in order to continue their stories.
With Spider-Man 4 scheduled to be in theaters in just over 18 months, the clock is ticking on the project’s production timeline. Though the film’s star, Tom Holland, confirmed plans for cameras to roll this summer, reports continue to come in that Sony and Marvel Studios have yet to finalize a script for the next installment in the Wallcrawler’s MCU-set franchise despite Holland sharing excitement for an early draft.
We have a creative and a pitch and a draft which is excellent. It needs work but the writers are doing a great job and I read it three weeks ago and it really lit a fire in me. Zendaya and I sat down and read it together and we at times were like bouncing around the living room.Like this is a real movie worthy of the fans’ respect, but there [are] a few things we need to figure out before we can get that really going. But it’s exciting and I’m really, really excited about it.
-Tom Holland on the Spider-Man 4 script, October 2024
With Destin Daniel Cretton taking the reigns from Jon Watts, who directed the first three Holland-led Spidey films, Spider-Man 4 seemed to be headed in the right direction in the Fall; however, as Holland explained, each MCU film is ultimately–and sometimes unfortunately–part of “a large machine” and has to “benefit the bigger picture”…and that statement could do a long way in explaining the latest rumors about some surprising Spider-Man 4 co-stars.
Obviously, one of the things to like bear in mind with Marvel is that there is, your film is a small cog in a large machine, and that machine has got to keep running, and you need to make sure that you can fit into that timeline at the right time to benefit the bigger picture.
-Tom Holland
According to John Roca and his Hot Mic Podcast co-host, Jeff “The In” Sneider, Marvel and Sony have considered–and still may be considering–pitting Holland’s Spidey against Mark Ruffalo‘s Hulk in Spider-Man 4. And if that weren’t enough to have fans fired up about the fourth film, Roca added that he had also heard that Jon Bernthal‘s Frank Castle would join the fray, teaming with Spider-Man to slow down the Jade Giant! If there’s any truth to the possibility of the Hulk going on a rampage in New York in the next Spidey film, it might well serve as the opening chapter of the studio’s long-rumored World War Hulk event.
Though Sneider didn’t speak to the possible presence of The Punisher in Spider-Man 4, the character did make his first appearance in the pages of Spider-Man comics and has teamed up with Spidey on more than one occasion. It’s also worth noting that Holland and Bernthal have worked together in the past, including on the film Pilgrimage. During production on Pilgrimage, the two actors were both auditioning for their current Marvel roles and, according to Bernthal, the two “were constantly making tapes for Marvel – just acting together.“
At this point, with everyone from Mephisto to Knull to Wilson Fisk rumored to be the baddie of Spider-Man 4, there’s simply no reason to take any one of these rumors more seriously than any other. However, with Captain America: Brave New World introducing at least one new Hulk and persistent rumors of Marvel Studios attempting to find a way to bring World War Hulk(s) to the MCU, this one is at least worth keeping an eye on.
Like Spider-Man: No Way Home before it, Spider-Man 4 has become a rumor mill circus. Rumors have truly ranged from the most mundane to the most magnificent and everywhere in between; however, recent rumors suggest that the script is still a work in progress even as the film barrels toward a summer start of production.
Whatever story the film ultimately ends up telling, there will always be interest in what it might have been. And while fans wait to learn whether or not it’s a street-level civil war, features Knull invading the MCU’s Earth-616 or something entirely different, a new report from a trusted insider has revealed that at least one scrapped draft featured two classic Spidey rogues who had already debuted in the MCU…and one of them is a villain fans have been hoping to see more of since 2017.
According to Marvel Studios insider Daniel Richtman, before the most recent round of rewrites, Spider-Man 4 would have seen Tom Holland’s Wallcrawler take on Shocker and Scorpion, both of whom appeared in Spider-Man: Homecoming.
While Bokeem Woodbine‘s Herman Schultz became “the Shocker” in Homecoming, Michael Mando‘s Mac Gargan seemed prime to become a major thorn in Peter Parker’s side before becoming another bullet point on the list of unfulfilled post-credit promises. Fans have continued to hold out hope that Gargan would return as the Scorpion and will certainly be disappointed to hear he may have been cut from the film.
Spider-Man 4 is currently on track for a July 24, 2026 theatrical release.
Even those who most vehemently opposed recasting the character of T’Challa following the death of Chadwick Boseman has to have known it would happen eventually. A staple on the Avengers’ roster in the pages of Marvel Comics, it always seemed a certainty that Marvel Studios would find a way to reintroduce the character into the MCU. And with the Multiverse Saga rocketing toward its end, a recent report from an industry insider indicated that the studio might finally be ready to do just that.
Marvel is looking to recast its Black Panther hero T’Challa ahead of the two Avengers movies and Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther 3.
-Jeff “The In” Sneider
Jeff “The In” Sneider ‘s recent report that Marvel Studios was seeking to recast the role of T’Challa for a trio of upcoming films generated significant online chatter along with some confusion. Initially, many fans interpreted the report to mean that the studio might be searching to recast T’Chall II, the son of T’Challa and Nakia, who was introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. That sentiment was eventually backed up by social media scooper My Time To Shine Hello, who claimed the studio was looking for an actor to play “an older version” of T’Challa II, who was originally played by Divine Love Konadu-Sun.
It's not a recast it's an older version of his son from Black Panther Wakanda Forever https://t.co/he5RmNhu05
However, further details from Sneider have emerged which indicate that Marvel is not looking to recast the role of T’Challa II but rather Boseman‘s T’Challa…sort of. According to Sneider, Marvel Studios is considering introducing a multiversal Variant of T’Challa.
With Marvel reshuffling the deck in advance of Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, and Robert Downey Jr. coming back not as Iron Man but as Doctor Doom, I’m told that the door is firmly open for T’Challa to be recast via the magic of the multiverse.
-Jeff Sneider
Even more interestingly, Sneider claimed that following the studio’s SDCC ’24 reveal that Robert Downey Jr. was returning to the MCU, this time as Doctor Doom, an offer went out to an unnamed star to fill the role of T’Challa.
I heard that an actor was actually offered the role this past fall, a couple of months after Downey’s big reveal at Comic-Con, but they turned it down, not wanting to jeopardize their career momentum by stepping into Boseman’s gigantic shoes, which may be too big to fill, even for Hollywood’s most talented Black actors.
-Jeff Sneider
Sneider went on to say that it’s no longer clear if T’Challa will appear in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, during the difficulty Marvel Studios has had and likely will have finding someone to fill the role; however, Sneider did indicate that whoever filled the role would also likely star in Black Panther 3.
What does it all mean? For the time being, it sounds like it couldn’t be any more confusing than it is. And while that might sound gloomy, at least the studio has options should they fail to find the right fit for the role of T’Challa.
Recasting key actors is hardly a novel idea at this point in the MCU. Edward Norton and Terrence Howard were rather unceremoniously removed from their respective roles as Bruce Banner and James Rhodes after just one outing each. More recently, Harrison Ford joined the MCU as Thaddeus Ross following the passing of William Hurt, who portrayed the character in five films. Multiple actors have also portrayed Cassie Lang, Billy Maximoff and even Thanos, among others. However, one beloved MCU character seemed off limits to a recast…until now.
According to a report from Jeff “The In” Sneider, “Marvel is looking to recast its Black Panther hero T’Challa ahead of the two Avengers movies and Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther 3.“
Following Chadwick Boseman‘s death, Marvel Studios weighed its options about how to move forward in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, ultimately deciding to work T’Challa’s death into the sequel rather than attempt to recast the role. Though it would seem problematic to recast the character now, Sneider ‘s report could be interpreted at least a couple of different ways.
As the studio approaches the end of the Multiverse Saga, the most logical option for “Recasting” T’Challa would be the introduction of a multiversal Variant of the character. Certainly any attempts t resurrect the Sacred Timeline’s T’Challa would be incredibly controversial and, frankly, unnecessary. Presumably, as Avengers: Secret Wars draws near, more alternate universes, or at least more heroes and villains from the ones that have already been introduced, will come into play and a Variant T’Challa would be a great addition to any team of heroes taking on Doctor Doom.
Of course, another option for the “recast” might involve the studio searching for an older actor to step into the role of T’Challa II, played by Divine Love Konadu-Sun in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. While it’s unclear when Avengers: Doomsday will be set, if the studio does indeed have a three-film arc in store for the character, they may be looking to age the character up a touch.
In either case, it would seem that Letitia Wright‘s Shuri, who took up the mantle of Black Panther in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, is headed for a reduced role despite delivering a fantastic performance in the sequel. That is, of course, unless the studio chooses a third option: introducing a multiversal Variant of T’Challa who is aligned with Doctor Doom and finds himself at odds with Shuri, T’Challa II and the rest of the Wakanda.
With production on Avengers: Doomsday set to kick off this year, it’s likely fans will have some clarity on the reported recast of T’Challa relatively soon.
Kathryn Hahn‘s performance as the wicked witch of Westview, Agatha Harkness, has proven to be the gift that keeps on giving. After a show-stealing performance in 2021’s WandaVision, Hahn took the lead in the spinoff Agatha All Along and once again left audiences asking for more. Despite what appeared to be the end of the road for the character, the final scene of Agatha All Along saw the spectral sorceress embark on a new journey, showing there’s still some “life” in the old gal yet.
While whatever the future holds for the wraithlike witch may not have been divined, it certainly seems as though the next chapter in her story will be closely tired to the next chapter in the story of Joe Locke‘s Billy Maximoff. And while we all wait for official word about what that shape that might take, Hahn has shared her thoughts about returning to the role.
“Am I personally done with playing this witch? No,” said Hahn when asked by TV Line about her future as Agatha. However, the star stopped short of confirming the recent reports and rumors that Marvel Television was close to moving forward with Season 2 of Agatha All Along. “We’d have to let the powers that be make those decisions,” said Hahn when asked if Marvel had given the go-ahead for another batch of episodes.
Of course, even if Marvel and Hahn are attempting to keep a sophomore season of Agatha All Along a secret, some omens do seem to augur well for an extra season of the witch. Series creator Jac Schaeffer‘s abrupt exit from the Paul Bettany-led Vision series led many to assume she had moved onto another project. And while speculation seemed to center on the rumored Scarlet Witch solo project, a greenlight given to a second season of Agatha All Along would certainly provide a reasonable explanation for her choice to bail on Vision, especially since Schaeffer indicated that she had plenty of unused Season 1 ideas which could be repurposed for Season 2.
There was more [of Agatha and Rio’s backstory] in the writer’s room. There was never any more on the page. It was our story instinct, I would say, that getting too far into their backstory would sort of be too much of a counterweight to the Nicky material. And so, we really included what we felt was vital to this chapter.
-Jac Schaeffer on ideas cut from Season 1 of Agatha All Along that could be explored in a potential Season 2
Beyond that, there’s the interesting decision by Marvel Studios to submit Agatha All Along as a comedy series rather than a miniseries in an effort to snag awards for the project. It’s a strong indication that they plan to make more episodes, something Hahn herself acknowledged. “It does suggest that,” said Hahn, though she held tight to her claim that she had no idea of future plans for her character. “I am as in-the-dark as you are. There’s going to be a Vision show, so that could be of a trilogy [with WandaVision and Agatha All Along]. But who knows?”.
Despite Hahn‘s hesitance, reluctance or inability to confirm Marvel Television’s plans to move ahead with a Season 2 of Agatha All Along, it’s starting to feel like there’s a growing chance of more purple in the near future.
While no official announcement has been made, enough rumors and reports concerning Marvel Studios long-gestating Young Avengers project are accumulating that it seems as though some sort of news should be imminent. Whether or not that happens, fans have been and will continue to be excited about the possibility of the studio assembling a team of young heroes even if it happens in a project titled Champions rather than Young Avengers.
While the latest report indicated that telhr studio was closing in on landing a showrunner and had begun locking in the core cast of Champions, it would be foolish to assume that the six heroes identified in Daniel Richtman’s scoop won’t have company from some other young heroes. Though Kamala Khan, Kate Bishop, Billy Maximoff, America Chavez, Riri Williams and Cassie Lang would make a formidable team, there are plenty of other potential Champions-in-waiting.
Given that the rumored roster of the team is a mash-up of comic book Champions and Young Avengers, it’s unlikely that EVERY character from either team who is either in the MCU already or believed to be on the way could possibly play a major role in what’s likely to be a six-to-ten episode series. And so while Eli Bradley, Amadeus Cho, Hulkling, Speed or even Viv Vision might make the team, they aren’t the only options out there. In fact, one potential recruit who supplies the team with something they desperately need may be hiding in the streets of Hell’s Kitchen.
Though none of the events Netflix’s two-season run on Luke Cage had impacted the MCU so far, the decision by Marvel Studios to retcon all of the Defenders-verse series into the Sacred Timeline allows for them to ripple through the narrative fabric of the Multiverse Saga and beyond. And with the studio now bringing together a team of young heroes, it might be the right time to explore the legacy of one of Luke Cage‘s most compelling supporting characters.
Over the course of two seasons, Theo Rossi‘s chillingly serene Shades stayed in the game while nearly every other baddie went by the wayside. Though no mention was made of it in the Netflix series, Shades comic book counterpart had a son, Victor Alvarez…and following a terrible tragedy, Victor gained some incredible power, man. And while it might take some creativity on Marvel Television’s part, the perfect opportunity exists to bring Victor into the MCU and give the Champions their Power Man.
In the comics, Victor was the sole survivor of an building explosion rigged by Bullseye. During the disaster, his father’s bioelectric visor shattered with pieces of it embedding themselves in Victor’s skin, giving him the unique ability to absorb chi from his environment and then manipulate the energy similarly to the way Danny Rand uses it in Iron Fist.
Given the disparity between the MCU’s version of Shades and the one from the comics, a new origin story for Victor’s powers would be in order. However, it is very doable and tying a new hero to Luke Cage would be a step in the right direction in ultimately fully embracing it the way the studio has Daredevil and The Punisher. Though Victor Alvarez, aka Power Man, hasn’t racked up the same number of comic book appearances as the other characters rumored to be leading the team of Champions, he has been an Avenger and, for a time, a member of the comic book Champions. If his time isn’t now, it may never be.
As 2025 gets underway and Marvel Studios looks to begin production on two major pieces of the final phase of the Multiverse Saga in Avengers: Doomsday and Spider-Man 4, Kevin Feige and the Parliament must also continue to keep an eye on the future of the franchise. Though nobody is quite certain just what to expect from Avengers: Secret Wars in terms of the impact it will have on whatever the next Marvel saga is, rumors and reports of projects in development do provide some pieces of the puzzle.
With Michael Lesslie hard at work on a script for the first Marvel Studios-produced X-Men film, it is safe to say the next saga will have its fair share of mutant heroes and villains. And while most of the focus might fall on whatever version of Charles Xavier’s uncanny team of heroes make their way into the MCU, another project featuring the MCU’s first mutant also looks to be gaining traction.
According to Marvel insider Daniel Richtman, Marvel Studios’ D+ streaming series, Champions, is close to landing a showrunner and has begun locking in key cast members. Richtman reports that in addition to Iman Vellani and Hailee Steinfeld, who appeared together in a credit scene for The Marvels meant to tease Champions, Joe Locke, Dominique Thorne, Kathryn Newton and Xochitl Gomez have also joined the project. Though the report indicates that those six actors are the series’ leads, it does not indicate that other young heroes won’t join the project in supporting roles.
According to industry insider Daniel Richtman, following his appearance in Daredevil: Born Again, The Punisher will return to kill more people that need killing in his own Disney Plus streaming series.
It’s already been nearly five years since the second and final season of The Punisher debuted on Netflix and given the pace at which Marvel Television is now developing and producing streaming series, it may be another five before the next chapter in Frank’s story is told. With very few loose threads left hanging from the series’ two-season run on Netflix, it’ll be interesting to see which characters, if any, are brought back into the fold on D+ or if Marvel Television sets up Frank’s new story in Daredevil: Born Again and goes in an entirely different direction.
Few people have been celebrated more for lying than Andrew Garfield. Despite an abundance of credible reports that he was reprising his role as The Amazing Spider-Man in 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, Garfield showed his true talents as an actor by convincing the world that he was not. In doing so, Garfield joined a long and prestigious list of actors who boldly lied about their roles in Marvel Studios projects. By his own admission, he also “ruined his reputation” for telling the truth.
I mean, like the internet is a big place. I think there’s a lot of people who will just say anything to get clicks. So you might have been duped, I’m afraid.
-Andrew Garfield on his rumored return in Spider-Man 4
In Garfield‘s defense, he truly may have no idea whether or not he will return as Peter 3 because, if rumors are to be believed, Sony and Marvel seem to be unsure exactly what type of movie they plan to make. And so, in a recent interview with GQ UK, the actor didn’t hesitate to once again shoot down the idea that he’ll suit up once more in Spider-Man 4…or to understand that nobody will believe him anyway.
“I’m gonna disappoint you,” said Garfield when asked about a potential role in the next installment in the MCU-set franchise. “Yeah, no. But I know no one’s gonna trust anything I say from now on.”
We all came with our own history and with our own relationship to the character in our own films. I think what really was wonderful, and how it unfolded very early on, was Tobey and I felt very aligned and very clear about what our intentions were for being there. Ultimately, it was to serve Tom as an actor and, as characters, serving Tom’s Peter Parker. I think from that place, everything flowed. It enabled Tobey and me to have a bit more fun maybe than we would’ve had if we were the ones fully carrying the story.
-Andrew Garfield on his role in Spider-Man: No Way Home
It’s impossible to say what role, if any, Garfield may have in any of those rumored plots or in any other direction the studios ultimately decide to move. Whatever the decision by the studios, there can be no doubt that a return by Garfield would be welcomed both by fans and those who worked with him on Spider-Man: No Way Home, so whether or not The Werewolf is dissembling once more or truly doesn’t know, here’s to hoping Sony and Marvel find a place for him in Destin Daniel Cretton‘s upcoming Spidey film.
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